X
•Our 2023 Season: •Air Shows Jun 17-Oct 15, •Museum May 1- Oct 31, •Biplane Rides TBA. •The High Flyers Gala is May 20-Get Your Tickets Early •The Latest News on Aero-Log •Help Us Acquire a Rare Engine
  • Skip to content
  • Skip to footer
  • About Us
  • The Collection
  • Contact Us
  • Work At Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome
Old Rhinebeck Aerorome Logo

Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome

We’re Living History and Family Fun

  • Gala
  • Air Shows
  • Museum
  • Biplane Rides
  • Air Show & Museum Tickets
  • Plan Your Visit
  • Events
  • Shop
  • Donate

SPAD VII

Back to 1914-1918 - World War I

photo of a SPAD VII airplane

SPAD VII

  • : France
  • : 1917
  • : Hispano-Suiza
  • 150
  • 26 ' 11"
  • 138 mph (221 km/hr)
  • 1808 lbs (820 kg)

  • : Active
  • : Reproduction

The SPAD VII was the first successful production aircraft from the Société Pour L’Aviation et ses Dérivés. It was powered by the 150 HP Hispano-Suiza water-cooled V-8, making it a high-performance machine that was sturdier than the contemporary Nieuport fighters flown by the Allies. Armed with a single Vickers .303 machine gun, it presented a new and formidable challenge to German air dominance. It was capable of 119 MPH and could dive to 249 MPH. Later machines were built with the 180 HP “Hisso”. Ultimately, the design was enlarged and improved resulting in the SPAD XIII, considered by many to be the best French fighter of WWI. 

The markings of the Aerodrome’s SPAD are those flown by Lt. George Turnure of Lenox, MA. In January 1918 he was commissioned a First Lieutenant in the 103rd Aero Squadron (formerly the Lafayette Escadrille) of the U.S. Air Service. He ended the war with three confirmed victories – two of which were heavily defended observation balloons. He was awarded the Legion of Honor and the Croix de Guerre with three Palms and a Star. This machine is a reproduction, and is the last aircraft built by the prolific Carl Swanson, who passed away shortly before it was completed in 2000. It is powered by a modern 150 HP Lycoming 0-320-E2D engine. The Aerodrome is very grateful to Poplar Grove Airmotive for their generous contribution of an engine overhaul for the SPAD VII.


Click for more information about the SPAD VII


Subscribe to our mailing list

Social

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Things to do

  • Gala
  • Air Shows
  • Museum
  • Biplane Rides
  • Air Show & Museum Tickets
  • Plan Your Visit
  • Events
  • Shop
  • Donate

Get involved

  • Donate
  • Education
  • Work At Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome
  • Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome Facebook Fans
  • Volunteer at Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome
  • Donating an Item
  • Our Generous Sponsors
  • WWI Aero Publications

About Us

  • Aero-Log
  • The Collection
  • About Cole and Rita Palen
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • About the Website

Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome Copyright © 2023
9 Norton Rd., Red Hook, NY 12571 (Driving Address)
PO Box 229, Rhinebeck, NY 12572 (Mailing Address)
Telephone: (845)752-3200
Fax: 845-758-6481
info@oldrhinebeck.org